Paradise City Tavern changing gears again

I've mentioned this in the past, but it bears repeating once again: I have never seen a club respond to changing times quite like Paradise City Tavern.

This past month, the Tavern decided to revamp almost all of its entertainment offerings, and in the process, change from a wildly diverse venue that ran the gamut from sports bar to hip-hop club, to a more focused scheme.

So, gone are the DJ dance nights on Friday and Saturday, as are the salsa nights on Thursdays. What remains are the karaoke sets on Sundays, as well as the newer Tater Tots Game Night on Tuesdays.

What will be replacing the weekend fare is not quite set yet, but one idea already in place is an open mic night on the last Friday of each month, beginning at 10 p.m. The evening will be hosted by Peter Curro. While there are several open mic nights in the area, few are on a weekend night, which will give performers more exposure. The first open mic occurred on Nov. 25, so the next one will be Dec. 30.

The Tavern also recently purchased a spinet piano, so this seems to indicate a move toward some other live music down the road. The kitchen will now also stay open later on some nights, allowing patrons to nosh while enjoying whatever entertainment is there. I can testify that (newish) head chef Rashad Uqdah has really upped the game as far as food there.

Sports on the venue's five large screens remain a staple of course. Paradise City Tavern is at 1 Bridge St. in Northampton.

SCOUTING REPORT

Pool leagues are now forming at Pin2's, the former Boston Billiards Club at 885 Riverdale St. in West Springfield. Call (414) 285-7971 for more information.

Fans of Tracy Morgan of "30 Rock" and "Saturday Night Live!" fame should set aside Jan. 13 because that's when the sometimes controversial comic will bring his act to the Comedy Connection at the Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee. There will be two shows, at 7:30 and 11 p.m., and tickets are $43. You must be 21 to attend these shows. The Hu Ke Lau is at 705 Memorial Drive.

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Darik and the Funbags return to Maximum Capacity in Chicopee on Dec. 2 Maximum Capacity is at 116 School St.